McKinley linebacker Kirk Louis Jr. commits to Arkansas State

McKinley linebacker Kirk Louis Jr. commits to Arkansas State

Making a good first impression is always important. Arkansas State did just that on Saturday with the parents of McKinley linebacker Kirk Louis Jr.

By the end of the family’s visit, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Louis committed to the Red Wolves.

“I really like the facilities, the coaches and the program,” Louis said. “They made a real good impression on me and especially on my parents. More than anything else, I like the direction the program is going.”

Louis helped lead the Panthers defense as a junior. He finished with 105 total tackles and played both middle and outside linebacker. He said he is projected as a middle linebacker by Arkansas State.

Louis said he also had scholarship offers from Tulane, Navy, Howard, Texas Southern, Tennessee State and Jacksonville State.

Louis was the second Baton Rouge area senior-to-be to commit over the weekend. Ascension Catholic defensive lineman Delmond Landry committed to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on Saturday.

Louis has already met the NCAA’s academic qualifying standards. He has a 4.0 grade point average and said he plans a major in criminal justice or a related field.

By committing to Arkansas State now, Louis said he’ll be able to focus on the 2014 season as McKinley looks to improve on a 3-8 record.

“We’re looking forward to this season,” Louis said. “We’ve got 22 seniors, and we’re all on the same page. We’ve had talent in the past, and now I think we’ll be able to provide the leadership.”